Sana'a – The Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday that it successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen by Houthi forces, triggering air raid sirens across central and southern Israel, including areas near Jerusalem and the Negev.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the missile was detected by early warning systems and neutralized mid-air by Israel’s multi-layered air defense network. No casualties or damage were reported, although emergency services treated several civilians for shock and minor injuries sustained while rushing to shelters.

The interception marks the latest in a series of long-range attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which has intensified its missile and drone campaign against Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. The Houthis claim their operations are in solidarity with Palestinians and part of a broader regional resistance axis.

“The missile was launched from Houthi-controlled territory and posed a direct threat to civilian areas,” an IDF spokesperson said. “Our defense systems responded swiftly and effectively.”

The sirens, which sounded in cities including Beersheba, Dimona, and parts of the West Bank, caused widespread alarm and temporarily disrupted public transportation and air traffic.

Israeli officials have reiterated their commitment to retaliate against any cross-border aggression, with recent airstrikes targeting Houthi infrastructure in Sana’a and Hodeidah. Defense analysts warn that the growing sophistication of Houthi missile technology—some reportedly hypersonic—could further destabilize the region.

International observers have called for restraint, urging all parties to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict beyond its current theaters.